In particular, New Yorkers Against Fracking took issue with a January email from state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens to Judith Enck, regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In the message, Martens expressed concern with EPA Region 2 “holding NY to a different standard” than other regions.

“That statement is akin to saying, ‘Why can’t EPA Region 2 back off and be like other EPA regions that do such a lousy job of regulating?,’” said Julia Walsh, of Frack Action and New Yorkers Against Fracking. “We have seen clearly what that produces: environmental destruction, spills, blowouts, poisoned water, sick families, destroyed farms, precipitous property value decreases, etc.”

Last week, I asked both EPA and DEC spokespeople for a response to Martens’ email. Here’s what they said:

DEC spokeswoman Emily DeSantis: “EPA Reg. 2 made numerous recommendations that are not part of any federal regulation or other federal requirement. Regardless, if high-volume hydraulic fracturing moves forward in New York, it will move forward with the strictest standards in the nation to ensure New York’s drinking water and other natural resources are thoroughly protected.”

EPA spokeswoman Bonnie Bellow: “In January 2012, EPA’s Region 2 office provided technical comments on regulations on natural gas extraction activities being developed by the state of New York. Those comments were specific to natural gas extraction in New York and recognized the importance of protecting the state’s water resources. The EPA believes that natural gas has a central role to play in our energy future. We continue to take steps to ensure that as we leverage this important resource in many areas of the country, natural gas extraction is done safely and responsibly.”